So you want a new additon to the family? There are lots of questions you may have.

Firstly puppies are very cute, but they grow into adults dogs be they large or small, fluffy or slobbery they still all have the same genetic make up. A dog is an animal. It is not a toy or a baby and it does not think like us.

If you respect a dog as a dog and treat it like a dog you will get on great and have a loyal devoted companion. Spoil it and you're in for trouble.

Where do I get a puppy from?

Ideally a puppy should come from a breeder who has planned to have a litter, is experienced in that particular breed and the parents have been screened for any hereditary health problems and have current valid clear certificates from the BVA (British Veterinary Association). In this environment your puppy should have been well socialised from a very early age by being reared in a home environment and had plenty of exposure to people other than the breeder. You will also be able to meet the mother and ideally the father if he is with the breeder or living locally. If not I personally would travel to meet the father. You may not be able to meet the mother with the puppies as she may be a little protective but you should be able to meet her away from the pups. Some breeder's temperament test their puppy's and will pick one for you that is suitable.

If you get a puppy from a rescue centre you may not know where he has come from and how well he has been reared or be able to see his parents. A good rescue centre will evaluate the puppies and give you some advice on how they are behaving at the kennels. These dogs usually haven't had a good start in life but taking on a young pup and starting on the right foot will avoid any problems occurring later on and your puppy can enjoy the rest of his life. These puppies deserve a chance!! Generally crossbreed and mongrel puppies are healthier than pedigrees.

Puppies bought from a third party usually a pet shop/superstore where the breeder/puppy farmer has sold them as a litter to be sold on by another person is all down to luck. A conscientious breeder will sell the puppies themselves making sure they all get suitable homes. A puppy sold through a third party such as a pet store is for financial gain and the well being and behavioural developement of the puppies is not considered. You will not see the parents or the environment these puppies have been reared in and they may not be health screened. This can lead to serious behavioural and health problems. Buying from these people only creates a market for them and can cause a lot of heartache.

 

What type/breed Should I get?

This is a difficult question as I have my favourite breeds and also breeds I do not favour it is down to personal preference. The only advice I can give here is list the breeds you are interested in and then research them. Contact the Breed Club via the Kennel Club and also some breeds have advisory services.

Think about the breeds purpose and activity levels and this will help you understand the traits the breed will have that may become a problem if not managed or the dog is not given adequent mental and physical stimulation. Do you have time for this type of dog?

Herding, chasing, guarding, hunting, killing, fighting, working in water (muddy wet dog), working all day (high activity levels)etc etc

Are you going to be able to give the dog equal exercise during winter and summer. If it gets lots in summer it will expect it in winter and not providing this is removal of expected rewards, this is punishing to the dog and along will unspent energy can cause problems.

If you have children rather than considering what breed is suitable with children, I would consider if your children are suitable to own a dog and are/will be educated in the care and understand the responsibility of owning a dog, children playing with a puppy is fine but the puppy may grow into a dog who sees your children as toy to play with as and when they feel like it. Children should be involved in constructive playtime such as training and teaching tricks and never ever left alone with a dog, no matter how much you may trust the dog.

If you want a big macho guarding breed so you look tough make sure you are prepared to train it or your going to look like a complete idiot.

When do I start Training?

Training should start as soon as your puppy gets home! Because dogs learn by association and your dog is learning all the time, you dog will be much more aware of what you are doing and how you respond to its behaviours more than you are. This is where it usually all starts to go wrong!! It starts with the puppy learning if he is no trouble he get ignored but barking, crying and nipping gets your attention, Bingo and down the slippery slope you go!!

How can I Research?

The Kennel Club

Breed Clubs

Books/Magazine

and of Course the Internet.